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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
New data from the Tennessee Department of Education shows an increase in the average ACT across the state.
According to a news release from the TDOE, the class of 2024 averaged a 19.3 composite score on the ACT, a slight increase over the average score of 19 for the previous graduating class.
Over the last few years, the state has seen a steady drop in ACT scores, going from 20.2 in 2018 to the recent low of 19 in 2023.
TDOE also reported a 99% participation rate on the ACT test from 2024 graduates. Public school students are given two opportunities to take the ACT test at no cost, once in the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year. The test measures college and career readiness and is used in the admissions process for many colleges and universities.
“Tennessee strives to support every student in their college and career aspirations, including preparing them for the ACT assessment that can open up additional postsecondary scholarships and opportunities,” Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds said in the release. “We commend districts and schools for their collective effort in improving the average composite score across the state.”
Below are some additional areas of increase from the TDOE’s press release:
• 78 districts had a participation rate of 99% or higher in 2024, increasing from 75 districts the previous year.
• Black, Hispanic, and Native American students scored an average of 16.8, an increase from 16.6 in 2023
• Economically disadvantaged students increased from a 16.3 average composite score in 2023 to a 16.6 average in 2024.
• The average composite score for students with disabilities increased from 14.7 in 2023 to 14.9 in 2024.
TDOE also included information on students who averaged a minimum composite score of 21, meeting the national average and allowing them greater eligibility for college admission.
• 37.7% of 2024 graduates scored a 21 or above.
• 19.5% of Black, Hispanic, and Native American students scored a 21 or higher, increasing from 17.3% in 2023.
• 17.7% of economically disadvantaged students met that minimum score, up from 15.8% in 2023.
• 8.6% of students with disabilities scored at least a 21, up from 6.7% in 2023.
